WHY I WONT GIVE UP: The picture to your left is my brother Jamie. We lost him last October (2010) in a boating accident. While I was in FL for his funeral (before flying him home to be laid to rest here in MN) I threw my back out from a massive cold. I pinched a nerve in my foot from wearing wedge sandals all week. I came back to work with the discovery I was losing my job at the end of the year and in February my Grandpa passed away. I gained 26 pounds. ...

Update November 19, 2011:

WHY I WONT GIVE UP: The picture to your left is my brother Jamie. We lost him last October (2010) in a boating accident. While I was in FL for his funeral (before flying him home to be laid to rest here in MN) I threw my back out from a massive cold. I pinched a nerve in my foot from wearing wedge sandals all week. I came back to work with the discovery I was losing my job at the end of the year and in February my Grandpa passed away. I gained 26 pounds. My foot still hurts. But when those planes went down on 9/11 my brother didn't give up.He rejoined the army because our freedom and our country meant that much to him. So when you feel like quitting, just remember where you have been. I didn't waste this last year. I needed this time to heal and learn how to slow down. And I am still strong!

MY STORY...

My sisters had a motto when I started out on this journey on February 12th 2007: Baby Steps. Take one thing and change it. First it was eliminating soda from my life, then it was adding exercise to my daily routine. After that I started to watch what I ate and developed new eating habits. All combined has led me to a current weight loss of 73 pounds! I had always been overweight, so I just figured that was the way I would always be. Boy was I wrong! You can achieve anything you set your mind to. But you have to make the choice, and you have to know what your motivation is. This is about a healthy lifestyle, being there for our children and families; looking good in a swimsuit or pair of jeans is just an added bonus! I know for a fact that I could not have done this alone. I have had the help of two wonderful women in my life, and they are my two beautiful sisters. If they hadn't supported me through this, I would NOT be where I am today. Thank you so much for all your help and encouragement this past year. Let's keep at it! I love you guys! I also need to thank God. I would not have been able to do this without His strength, and His will for me to live a healthy lifestyle. Never stop thanking Him and giving Him the glory.

P.S. How could I forget to thank my husband! He has supported me every step of the way! Thank you babe! _______________________________________

ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNERS...

Get yourself a buddy to help you along the way. My sisters and I email daily to encourage each other and build each other up. Good workout-good job! Not so good eating-just keep at it! You need positive motivators in your life to help you along your journey!

CARDIO

I am currently training for a half marathon (April 20, 2012!!), so I have long runs mixed with shorter runs. Runs can be 3 to 5 to 11 miles in length! I know I'm going to rock my first half! ______________________________________